Women and higher education: Trends and perspectives

Abstract

During the past century, women in most countries of the world have gained at least some access to higher education. As was the case with suffrage and the ability to hold property, access to higher education was a right that was essential if women were to gain some independence vis a vis men. Indeed, higher education was often thought to be the mechanism that would prepare women, in an orderly and rational manner, for participation in the public sphere. Through qualifications and credentials secured through the higher learning, women would equip themselves for all manner of professional positions, entering the market place and political arena with the same advantages as men.